Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces impeachment push over Iran war and military operations

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is defending his record after Republican Rep. Thomas Massie filed eight articles of impeachment against him, citing his handling of the Iran war and other military operations.

(NBC)- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is defending his record after Republican Rep. Thomas Massie filed eight articles of impeachment against him, citing his handling of the Iran war and other military operations.

Massie, a Kentucky Republican and critic of President Donald Trump who is leaving office at the end of the year, accused Hegseth of conducting military operations without proper congressional authorization.

The articles include allegations that Hegseth waged war against Iran without congressional approval, authorized lethal military force against suspected drug traffickers at sea and participated in the kidnapping of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

“He has violated the norms of war, and it’s to the disadvantage and the dishonor of our country, and to the danger of our soldiers in future conflicts,” Massie said.

Hegseth rejected the criticism and defended the administration’s military actions.

“We know the world is a better and safer place as a result. And so, if we want to litigate that, the success of those things, I’m happy to do it all day long. I couldn’t be more proud,” Hegseth said.

Trump also defended his defense secretary, arguing that Hegseth deserves praise rather than impeachment.

The president credited Hegseth with strong military recruitment numbers and what he described as successful military operations in Venezuela and Iran.

“He won the war in Venezuela. As I said, 48 minutes. It was flawless. Nobody killed. And he certainly, I think, he’s won the war in Iran. But he’s certainly winning the war,” Trump said.

The impeachment effort comes as Republicans maintain a narrow majority in the House of Representatives.

A small number of Republicans joining Democrats could provide enough votes to impeach Hegseth. However, removing him from office would require a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.

The political confrontation is unfolding as newly elected members of Congress arrive on Capitol Hill for orientation.

Senate Democratic leaders are meeting with incoming lawmakers following the party’s midterm election victories, which are expected to give Democrats control of Congress in January.